2.0 Analysis 2.1 Introduction There was no evidence found to indicate any failure or malfunction of the aircraft or its components that could have contributed to the cause of the accident. Stored radar data shows that the pilot flew directly to the Brantford Airport and descended to circuit altitude (1,000 feet agl) before turning south and climbing to 3,000 feet asl (about 2,200 feet agl). It is likely that the pilot was unable to clearly see the runway because of shallow ground fog and that he proceeded south of the airport before deciding to return and attempt to land on runway 05. 2.2 Landing Attempt It was concluded that the fog layer was not very thick, which permitted the pilot to see the airport and runway environment from above the fog layer, provided he remained between 700 and 1,000 feet agl. This conclusion is substantiated by the stored radar data that shows the aircraft manoeuvring over and close to the airport after the pilot returned to the airport from the southwest. The last stored radar data shows the aircraft descending from 200 feet agl in a right turn, perhaps toward the final approach course to runway 05. The wreckage was found just slightly north of the extended centre line of runway 05 where the aircraft had struck the ground in a descending right turn. It is likely that, as the pilot descended, he lost visual reference with the runway lights when the aircraft entered fog. He either lost control of the aircraft at this point or he continued descent expecting to regain visual reference with the runway, and the aircraft struck the ground. 2.3 Survival Without any filed flight plan, flight note, or itinerary, alerting of search and rescue agencies and location of the wreckage was accomplished solely with reference to the ELT signal. 3.0 Conclusions 3.1 Findings The pilot was attempting a night VFR approach and landing. Visual reference with the runway was restricted by shallow ground fog. The aircraft struck the ground while in a descending right turn onto final approach. The pilot was certified for the night VFR flight. The search for the aircraft wreckage was hampered by dense ground fog. No flight plan, flight notification, or flight itinerary was on file for the flight, nor was any required by regulation. 3.2 Causes The aircraft struck the ground while the pilot was turning onto final approach; the pilot had lost visual reference with the ground, likely because of fog conditions. The Board has no aviation safety recommendations to issue at this time.4.0 Safety Action The Board has no aviation safety recommendations to issue at this time.